Exodus 40:23

KJV

And he set the bread in order upon it before the LORD; as the LORD had commanded Moses.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he set {H6187} the bread {H3899} in order {H6186} upon it before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}; as the LORD {H3068} had commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He arranged a row of bread on it before ADONAI, as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

Berean Standard Bible

He arranged the bread on it before the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him.

American Standard Version

And he set the bread in order upon it before Jehovah; as Jehovah commanded Moses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 40:23 meticulously details Moses' faithful and precise arrangement of the showbread on the table within the newly consecrated Tabernacle. This specific act, part of the final preparations for God's dwelling among His people, profoundly underscores the paramount importance of strict obedience to divine instructions in matters of worship and the enduring symbolic significance of God's perpetual provision and intimate presence among the twelve tribes of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within the climactic final chapter of the Book of Exodus, which meticulously chronicles the erection, furnishing, and consecration of the Tabernacle. Following the extensive divine blueprints for its construction given on [Mount Sinai](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"), chapters 35-39 detail the meticulous craftsmanship and assembly of all its components. Chapter 40 culminates this grand narrative, portraying Moses' final acts of obedience in setting up each piece of furniture and consecrating the sanctuary according to the divine pattern. Verse 23 specifically describes the placement of the showbread in the Holy Place, immediately after the setting up of the table itself (Exodus 40:22) and preceding the placement of the lampstand and the altar of incense. This precise sequence emphasizes the completion of God's architectural blueprint and the readiness of His dwelling place for the dramatic descent of His glory, as recorded in [Exodus 40:34-38](/exodus/40-34-38 "Exodus 40:34-38 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Tabernacle").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle served as the portable sanctuary for Israel during their wilderness wanderings, a tangible and central symbol of God's active presence among His people. Its construction and arrangement were not left to human discretion but followed precise divine specifications, reflecting the inherent holiness, order, and majesty of God Himself. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, temples and cultic spaces were meticulously ordered, and the proper arrangement of sacred objects was considered crucial for maintaining divine favor and ensuring effective worship. The showbread, or "bread of the presence" (_lechem panim_), was a unique feature of Israelite worship, consisting of twelve loaves representing the twelve tribes, perpetually set "before the LORD." This act symbolized God's unwavering covenant faithfulness to sustain His people and their ongoing communion with Him. The recurring phrase "as the LORD had commanded Moses" echoes throughout [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected"), powerfully reinforcing the absolute authority of God's word and the indispensable necessity of human obedience in establishing and maintaining a right relationship with the divine.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 40:23 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and the broader Pentateuch. **Divine Sovereignty and Command** is paramount, highlighted by the repeated emphasis on God's specific instructions and Moses' perfect adherence. This underscores that worship is not man-made but divinely ordained. The theme of **Obedience** is central, portraying Moses as the faithful servant who executes every detail precisely, setting a standard for Israel's relationship with God. Furthermore, the verse reinforces **God's Presence and Provision**, as the showbread symbolizes His continuous sustenance for His people, and its placement within the Tabernacle signifies His immanent dwelling among them. Finally, the meticulous ordering of the Tabernacle points to the theme of **Holiness and Order in Worship**, demonstrating that God is a God of order who demands reverence and precision in all approaches to Him, as seen throughout the detailed laws of the Tabernacle in [Exodus 25-30](/exodus/25-30 "Exodus 25-30 - Detailed Instructions for the Tabernacle").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Set in order (Hebrew, עָרַךְ, _ʻârak'_):** This primitive root signifies "to set in a row," "to arrange," "to put in order," or "to prepare." It implies a deliberate, methodical, and precise arrangement, not a haphazard placement. In the context of the Tabernacle, it highlights the divine demand for order and exactness in worship, reflecting God's own orderly nature. This verb is also used for arranging wood on an altar for sacrifice or troops for battle, indicating a structured and purposeful organization that is essential for the intended outcome. Its use here emphasizes the sacred precision required for the Tabernacle's operation.
* **Bread (Hebrew, לֶחֶם, _lechem'_):** While broadly meaning "food" or "bread," in this specific cultic context, it refers exclusively to the "showbread" or "bread of the presence" (_lechem panim_). This was a set of twelve loaves, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, placed on the golden table in the Holy Place. Its perpetual presence "before the LORD" symbolized God's constant provision for His people and their ongoing representation and communion before Him. The weekly replacement of the bread, as detailed in [Leviticus 24:5-9](/leviticus/24-5 "Leviticus 24:5-9 - Regulations for the Showbread"), underscored its ongoing symbolic power and the continuous nature of God's covenant relationship with Israel.
* **Before (Hebrew, פָּנִים, _pânîym'_):** This word, often translated as "face" or "presence," signifies proximity and direct encounter. When used with "the LORD" (YHWH), as "before the LORD," it denotes a sacred space where God's presence is uniquely manifested or acknowledged. The showbread was placed "before the LORD" not merely geographically, but symbolically in His divine presence, emphasizing Israel's constant standing and communion with God. This concept of being "before the LORD" is central to the Tabernacle's purpose, as it was the place where God would meet with His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he set the bread in order":** This clause highlights Moses' active and precise role in arranging the showbread. The verb "set in order" (עָרַךְ, _ʻârakh_) conveys a deliberate, meticulous, and systematic placement, reflecting the absolute necessity of adhering to the detailed divine instructions for the Tabernacle. It was not merely placed, but carefully arrayed according to a specific, sacred pattern, emphasizing the reverence and exactness required in all matters pertaining to God's dwelling.
* **"upon it":** This refers to the "table of showbread," which was one of the key furnishings in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. This table, constructed of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold, was specifically designed to hold the showbread, along with its associated dishes, spoons, bowls, and flagons, as described in [Exodus 25:23-30](/exodus/25-23-30 "Exodus 25:23-30 - Instructions for the Table of Showbread"). The careful placement upon its designated surface underscores the divine order and purpose for each item within the sanctuary.
* **"before the LORD":** This crucial phrase indicates the ultimate purpose and sacred orientation of the showbread. It was placed directly in the presence of God, signifying Israel's perpetual representation and communion before Him. The "face" or "presence" of the Lord was understood to be uniquely manifested in the Holy of Holies, but the items in the Holy Place were positioned in direct relation to that divine presence, serving as a constant reminder of God's immanence and His desire for ongoing relationship with His people.
* **"as the LORD had commanded Moses":** This concluding phrase serves as a powerful and pervasive theological refrain throughout [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Erection of the Tabernacle"). Its repetition underscores Moses' unwavering and perfect obedience to every minute detail of God's intricate instructions. This divine validation authenticates the entire process as divinely sanctioned and executed with absolute faithfulness, establishing the Tabernacle as a legitimate dwelling place for God's glory and a model for all future worship.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 40:23 expertly employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Repetition** is a prominent feature, specifically the recurring phrase "as the LORD had commanded Moses," which appears numerous times throughout [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Erection of the Tabernacle"). This insistent repetition serves to underscore the paramount theme of perfect obedience, validating Moses' actions and emphasizing the divine authority and meticulousness behind every aspect of the Tabernacle's construction and setup. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is central, with the "bread" representing the showbread, which in turn profoundly symbolizes God's constant provision for the twelve tribes of Israel and their perpetual presence before Him. The act of setting it "in order" also carries significant symbolic weight, representing the **Holiness** and **Order** required in approaching a holy God. The entire scene is one of **Culmination**, marking the completion of the Tabernacle, which is the physical manifestation of God's covenant promise to dwell among His people, bringing the grand narrative of Exodus to its divinely ordered conclusion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 40:23 powerfully articulates the foundational theological themes of divine command, human obedience, and God's faithful provision. The meticulous arrangement of the showbread, performed exactly "as the LORD had commanded Moses," highlights that true worship and a right relationship with God are predicated on faithful and precise adherence to His revealed will. This is not merely about following rules, but about responding in trust and reverence to the One who establishes the terms of communion. The showbread itself served as a constant, tangible reminder of God's covenant commitment to sustain His people, symbolizing His perpetual presence and their ongoing communion before Him. This act of setting the bread in order, therefore, is not merely a logistical step but a profound theological statement about the nature of God's holiness, His desire for ordered and reverent worship, and His unwavering, active care for His chosen nation.

* [Leviticus 24:5-9](/leviticus/24-5 "The Law of the Showbread")
* [Numbers 7:89](/numbers/7-89 "God Speaks from the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 3:5-6](/hebrews/3-5 "Moses' Faithfulness and Christ's Superiority")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 40:23 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers, calling us to a deeper understanding of worship and our walk with God. Just as Moses meticulously followed God's detailed instructions for the Tabernacle, we are called to live lives of intentional, precise obedience to God's Word. This means not only adhering to broad moral principles but also seeking to understand and apply God's will in the specific details of our daily lives, recognizing that true worship extends beyond Sunday services into every sphere of existence. The showbread's symbolism of God's constant provision reminds us that our sustenance, both physical and spiritual, ultimately comes from Him. In a world that often encourages self-reliance and anxious striving, this verse invites us to cultivate a spirit of trust in God's unfailing care and to acknowledge Him as our ultimate source and sustainer. Furthermore, the emphasis on "order" and "holiness" in the Tabernacle's setup challenges us to approach God with reverence, intentionality, and a sincere desire for purity, whether in corporate worship, private devotion, or our daily interactions. Our lives, like the Tabernacle, should be ordered in a way that honors God, reflects His character, and creates a fitting dwelling place for His Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be tempted to deviate from God's clear "commands," and how can I cultivate a greater spirit of joyful and precise obedience?**
* **How does the symbolism of the showbread, representing God's constant provision, encourage and strengthen my faith in times of personal need or global uncertainty?**
* **What does "setting things in order before the LORD" practically look like in my personal walk with God, my family life, and my participation in the church community?**

### FAQ
**What was the "bread" referred to in Exodus 40:23?**

Answer: The "bread" in Exodus 40:23 refers to the "showbread" (Hebrew: _lechem panim_, meaning "bread of the presence" or "bread of the face"). This consisted of twelve specially prepared loaves, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel, which were placed on the golden table in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. These loaves were to be continually "before the LORD," signifying God's constant presence with and faithful provision for His people. They were replaced weekly by the priests, with the old loaves being eaten by the priests in a holy place, as meticulously detailed in [Leviticus 24:5-9](/leviticus/24-5 "Leviticus 24:5-9 - Regulations for the Showbread").

**Why was it important for Moses to "set the bread in order"?**

Answer: The phrase "set the bread in order" (Hebrew: _'arakh_) signifies a precise, methodical, and careful arrangement, not a casual or haphazard placement. This meticulousness was absolutely crucial because the Tabernacle and all its furnishings were sacred and were to perfectly reflect God's holiness, order, and majesty. Every single detail of the Tabernacle's construction and setup was divinely commanded, and perfect obedience was required to ensure the sanctuary was fit for God's dwelling and that worship was conducted in a manner pleasing to Him. This emphasis on order also highlighted the profound reverence due to God and the structured, intentional nature of true worship, contrasting sharply with chaotic or irreverent approaches.

**What is the significance of the repeated phrase "as the LORD had commanded Moses" in Exodus 40?**

Answer: The phrase "as the LORD had commanded Moses" is a powerful and pervasive refrain throughout [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected"), appearing multiple times in this culminating chapter. Its insistent repetition serves to emphasize Moses' unwavering, absolute, and perfect obedience to every single instruction God had given regarding the Tabernacle's construction and setup. This highlights the divine authority behind the entire sanctuary's design and construction, ensuring that it was built precisely according to God's revealed will, not human ingenuity. Theologically, it underscores the profound principle that faithful, meticulous obedience to God's commands is foundational for establishing and maintaining a right relationship with Him, and for God's holy presence to dwell authentically among His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 40:23, with its meticulous focus on the showbread being set "in order upon it before the LORD" as commanded, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The showbread, symbolizing God's constant provision and Israel's perpetual presence before Him, points forward to Jesus, who declared Himself to be the [bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and the [living bread that came down from heaven](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus, the Living Bread"). Unlike the physical loaves that needed weekly replacement and could only sustain physical life, Jesus offers eternal spiritual nourishment to all who believe in Him, satisfying the deepest hunger of the human soul. Furthermore, while the showbread represented the twelve tribes before God in the earthly sanctuary, Jesus is the perfect and eternal High Priest, who forever represents His people in the heavenly sanctuary, having offered Himself as the ultimate, once-for-all, and final sacrifice for sins ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). His perfect obedience, unlike Moses' faithful but human obedience, was absolute and without blemish, culminating in His complete submission to the Father's will even to death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Thus, the meticulous arrangement of the showbread, symbolizing God's desire for ordered worship and His provision, is fully realized in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and now sustains His church by His very presence and life, making us perpetually "before the LORD" through His finished work and intercession.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 40:4

And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof.

Exodus 25:30

And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.

Matthew 12:4

How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?

Hebrews 9:2

For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein [was] the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.